News & Gossip

Iconic cricket star MS Dhoni is making waves off the field by investing in Kuku, a dynamic platform redefining storytelling for mobile users. As the face of Kuku TV, a fresh microdrama app, Dhoni is fully committed to expanding Kuku's innovative reach.

IPL 2026: JioStar, Mukesh Ambani's entertainment venture, has terminated its IPL and Women's Premier League broadcast deals in Bangladesh due to its local partner's payment defaults. This move means no local broadcaster will air the IPL season, even if Bangladesh lifts its earlier ban. The termination follows a period of strained India-Bangladesh relations.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has achieved remarkable box office success. The film has grossed over Rs 1,365 crore globally and Rs 867 crore in India. It has surpassed the lifetime collections of its predecessor in just 11 days. The movie also holds records for the highest paid previews and the biggest opening weekend.

As the IPL returns, illegal streaming persists despite official free streams, highlighting India's piracy paradox. While enforcement disrupts illegal viewing, piracy's organized, monetized ecosystem thrives on speed, scale, and user habit, posing a significant threat to the sports economy.

India's TV audience measurement system is set for a major overhaul. New rules mandate tracking viewership across all screens, including OTT platforms. Landing page viewership will no longer count towards ratings. Panel sizes will significantly increase to ensure accuracy. These changes aim to boost competition and transparency in the advertising market.

Hyderabad hosted the ET Industry Achievers – AP & Telangana 2025-26, celebrating leadership and innovation. Actor Boman Irani graced the event as chief guest, honouring 35 individuals and organisations across diverse sectors. The awards recognised significant contributions to industry and society, highlighting the dynamic growth of both states. Irani shared his success mantra, emphasizing perseverance and ethical conduct.

Russian producers have partnered with India and the international film industry to create "Persimmon of My Love," a musical comedy entirely shot in India utilizing Bollywood's full production capabilities. This marks the first large-scale Russian-Indian co-production since the Soviet era, set to release on April 1, 2026, highlighting expanding cultural and economic cooperation.

Jio Studios has achieved a remarkable feat with three consecutive films, Stree 2, Dhurandhar, and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, each surpassing Rs 500 crore net in India. Stree 2 set a new benchmark in 2024, followed by Dhurandhar in 2025 and Dhurandhar: The Revenge in 2026, showcasing a sustained period of box office success for the studio.

TATA IPL 2026 is attracting a large number of sponsors. Twenty-seven brands are backing the tournament. This includes tech giants and established Indian companies. JioStar's integrated platform offers brands wide reach. India's recent T20 World Cup win boosts cricket's appeal. The IPL remains a major platform for advertising and brand visibility.

Maharashtra's travel scene is changing. Concerts, sports, and festivals are bringing more visitors. People are staying longer and spending more. This boosts local economies. Events like Coldplay concerts and the Cricket World Cup saw big jumps in bookings. Music festivals are also a major draw. Younger travelers are planning trips around these events.

The Dhurandhar franchise has redefined Hindi cinema. Its massive success highlights the power of a director's vision and authentic storytelling. The films broke old filmmaking molds, focusing on depth and engaging narratives. Innovative editing, bold music choices, and a blend of genres have captivated audiences. This approach has set a new benchmark for the industry.

India's interactive media market is now worth $14 billion. The focus has shifted from gaining users to making money. Cheap data, smartphones, and UPI are key. Consumers are spending more on digital experiences. New content formats are growing fast. Gaming and animation are strong areas. Artificial intelligence is changing content creation and distribution.

Kuku, a Bengaluru-based company, is focusing on short, mobile-first content. It has expanded from audio to video and is entering cinema. Kuku's subscriber base has grown significantly. The company uses AI extensively for content creation, aiming to produce thousands of micro-dramas monthly. This strategy targets users' mobile consumption habits.

Collective Studios has partnered with True Story Films to launch Khana Dil Se – An AI Journey Through India’s Kitchen, an episodic series that explores India’s culinary heritage using artificial intelligence. Created by Hansal Mehta, the show marks his return to food storytelling decades after Khana Khazana. It features chef Shamsher Ahmed as culinary consultant, bringing expertise in regional cuisines.

Kuku FM and Kuku TV are venturing into movie theaters. Their first Hindi film, Indian Institute of Zombies, is a campus comedy. It blends horror, youth humor, and social commentary. The film releases nationwide on May 8. Kuku aims for a high-energy theatrical experience. This move expands their digital entertainment business. AI played a role in the film's creation.

Kiran Mani Resignation: Kiran Mani has departed JioStar as CEO – Digital to become OpenAI's new Managing Director for Asia Pacific. He will lead regional strategy and operations from Singapore, a move that underscores OpenAI's focus on the rapidly growing AI market in the region, with India being its second-largest global user base.

India's media and entertainment market is set for significant growth. It is projected to reach Rs 3.3 lakh crore by 2028. Digital media is leading this expansion, becoming the largest segment. Advertising revenues are also on the rise. Live events are experiencing a boom. Digital subscriptions are increasing, driven by premium content. Print media shows resilience.

PVR INOX is doubling down on premium, experience-led cinemas with a new multiplex in West Delhi, betting on “outing” demand as audiences seek more than just movies.

India's media and entertainment sector achieved significant growth in 2025, reaching Rs 2,78,000 crore. Digital media led this expansion, becoming the largest segment. The sector is set for further growth, expected to hit Rs 3,30,000 crore by 2028. This expansion is fueled by digital advertising, subscriptions, and live events, showcasing a dynamic and evolving industry.

Pramod Arora on Blockbuster Dhurandhar and Multiplex: PVR INOX is expanding into tier-2 cities like Agra. The company believes a good cinema experience is crucial for success, not just blockbuster films. They are investing in better facilities and food to make movie-going worthwhile. This strategy aims to attract discerning audiences who compare theatre visits with home entertainment options.

JioStar revealed new findings from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Integrated television and digital campaigns reached new audiences with little overlap. This cross-screen approach expands advertiser reach effectively. The study used BARC and Nielsen data. These insights will guide IPL 2026 advertising strategies. JioStar aims for a unified advertising ecosystem.

India is set to revolutionize its media and entertainment landscape with exciting new projects. Notable among these is a collaborative AI training initiative with tech giants Google and YouTube, aimed at empowering content creators. Additionally, the launch of MyWAVES, a citizen-centric creator platform, promises to democratize content production.

Dhurandhar The Revenge has achieved a historic opening. The film is now the biggest Indian blockbuster ever. It earned ₹761 crore worldwide in its first weekend. This success sets new benchmarks for Indian cinema globally. Advance bookings and sold-out shows fueled its record-breaking performance. The movie has rewritten box office history.

Amazon Prime Video considers India a vital market for its global expansion. The platform is investing heavily in local content and diverse formats. Innovative pricing strategies, including ad-supported tiers, are proving successful. Prime Video is also committed to theatrical releases, believing they complement streaming. The company sees significant growth potential in India's dynamic entertainment landscape.

PVR INOX has opened its first multiplex in Agra. This four-screen property is located at Anjana Central on MG Road. It features advanced technology for a premium movie experience. The launch expands PVR INOX's presence into emerging urban markets. The multiplex aims to boost local tourism and businesses.

Veteran actor Prakash Raj has raised eyebrows over the widespread praise for 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' from South Indian stars, questioning if it signals 'obligations.' While prominent actors like Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, and Jr NTR lauded the film, Raj's cryptic remarks have sparked debate online, with some users defending the stars' genuine appreciation for the cinematic work.

Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan lauded Aditya Dhar's latest film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. Roshan stated Dhar has initiated a new era in filmmaking. The movie, starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved over Rs 100 crore on its opening day. The film explores covert intelligence operations and the underworld. It traces the protagonist's journey from his origins to becoming a covert operative.

Delhi police sealed the United News of India office at 9 Rafi Marg. The Delhi High Court upheld the cancellation of land allotment. This followed decades of no construction on the prime government land. The United News of India failed to build a composite office building. The court found the cancellation valid and justified.

Indian film distributors overseas are adapting their strategies due to the West Asia war. They are now preferring refundable advances over non-refundable minimum guarantees. Distributors are also becoming more selective about the films they acquire. This shift aims to mitigate financial risks in a volatile market. The focus is on films with broader appeal, moving away from nationalist themes.

PVR Inox has opened a new four-screen multiplex in Agra's Anjana Central. This cinema operates under the Franchise-Owned Company-Operated model. It aims to be a social hub with a cafe-inspired design. The multiplex features advanced projection and sound systems. PVR's signature recliners and a gourmet menu enhance the movie experience. This initiative supports local economic growth.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has opened strongly, crossing ₹100 crore net on day one in India. The film is expected to earn ₹1,100–1,300 crore net domestically, which could make it the first Hindi original film to cross ₹1,000 crore and support a weak fourth quarter for FY26.

Prime Video unveiled its largest-ever Indian Originals slate, featuring nearly 55 series and films across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The platform is also venturing into theatrical releases through Amazon MGM Studios India, showcasing a significant investment in diverse Indian storytelling for both streaming and cinema audiences.

India is becoming a major force in Asia Pacific content investment. By 2026, the country will contribute 12% to the region's projected 22.1 billion dollar spend. Both traditional broadcasters and global streaming platforms are increasing their investments in local content.

CNN is adapting to a fragmented media landscape by balancing global storytelling with regional nuance, particularly in Asia-Pacific and India. The organization is investing in both linear television and digital transformation, emphasizing factual accuracy amidst a rise in misinformation and exploring AI's role in news production and distribution.

Actress Preity Zinta hailed 'Dhurandhar 2' as "mindblowing," praising its direction, acting, and music after a special screening. She shared her enthusiasm on X, highlighting stellar performances from Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. Superstar Allu Arjun also lauded the film as a "high-energy patriotic entertainer" with "patriotism with swag."

Dhurandhar: The Revenge: Allu Arjun watched Dhurandhar 2 and praised it as a patriotic film with swag. He complimented the cast, including R Madhavan and Ranveer Singh. The movie had paid preview shows ahead of its release. Viewers expressed satisfaction, calling it an entertaining and worth-watching film. Dhurandhar 2 is the sequel to last year's blockbuster Dhurandhar.

A parliamentary panel has directed Doordarshan and All India Radio to generate revenue from their assets. This will be achieved through leasing, redevelopment, and public-private partnerships. The panel seeks regular updates on progress and revenue generation. Prasar Bharati has a draft plan to unlock value from surplus assets. This includes leasing vacant space and redeveloping land parcels.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment has secured a multi-year exclusive broadcasting deal with Eurosport India, extending TNA Wrestling's reach across South Asia from July 2027. This agreement ensures hundreds of hours of first-run content, including the flagship Thursday Night iMPACT! and the Hindi-language show Pehlwani Patakha, will be available to fans in the region.

Dhurandhar 2 Opening Day Box Office Prediction: Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set for a historic opening. The Ranveer Singh film has secured unprecedented advance bookings, crossing Rs 50 crore in India. Paid premieres on March 18 are a record-breaker. Experts predict a worldwide opening day collection of Rs 150-200 crore. Theatres are scheduling round-the-clock shows to meet demand.

Younger Indian viewers, especially Gen Z and millennials, are moving beyond Korean content and exploring a wider range of Asian shows from countries like Japan, China and Thailand, reflecting more diverse viewing habits. Industry data shows the share of Korean content has declined, while access to dubbed and regional-language content on platforms such as Netflix and Crunchyroll has boosted consumption.

Dhurandhar The revenge budget: Advance bookings for Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge are surging across India. The Ranveer Singh-starrer has already crossed Rs 44.25 crore from paid previews and Rs 33.60 crore in advance sales for its opening day. Overseas pre-sales are estimated at Rs 75 crore. The film is on track to be a major box office success.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set for a record-breaking box office run. Paid previews are nearly sold out, with over four lakh tickets sold. Advance bookings have surpassed one million tickets. Trade experts predict the film will shatter existing records for opening day and overall collections.

Dhurandhar 2 is set for a record Rs 100 crore opening and up to Rs 1,300 crore lifetime haul, boosting PVRINOX outlook. Elara Capital retains Buy with Rs 1,300 target, citing strong occupancy, deleveraging and franchise momentum, even as weak box office trends and lagging ad revenues cap near-term upside.

New OTT accessibility rules for visually and hearing-impaired individuals face a legal challenge. A visually impaired petitioner argues the guidelines violate the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The final rules, notified on February 6, ease requirements from a previous draft. This includes a 36-month transition for new content accessibility.

India’s media and entertainment sector is set to grow through AI-driven content creation, creator-led formats, and expanding live events, according to a Deloitte report. Generative AI is reducing production costs and enabling faster, scalable content, driving the rise of micro-dramas—short, mobile-first series that are cost-effective and popular with brands and creators.

Dhurandhar 2: Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set to make waves with an epic 232-minute tale, rated 'A', hitting theatres on March 19, 2026, which fortuitously aligns with the celebrations of Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid al-Fitr. With advance ticket sales already surpassing Rs 100 crore, this highly-anticipated sequel promises an entertaining experience for its audiences.

In an exciting collaboration, Applause Entertainment and Story TV are uniting to revolutionize the way we consume drama on our phones. They will be producing a fresh lineup of short-form dramas designed to captivate the mobile audience's craving for quick, powerful storytelling.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has achieved over one million advance bookings at PVR INOX. Exclusive paid preview screenings on March 18 are already sold out in many locations. The film's release in five languages is contributing to its widespread appeal. Strong demand is seen in major metros and Tier-II cities.

India's presence at the 98th Academy Awards was notable but limited. Priyanka Chopra Jonas presented an award, sharing the stage with Javier Bardem's anti-war statement. Bollywood legend Dharmendra was notably absent from the In Memoriam segment. Indian American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir's nominated films did not secure wins. Isha Ambani also attended the event.

Introducing EPIC Studio, the latest venture from EPIC Company, a groundbreaking step that unites its production houses under one roof. This innovative studio is set to craft a diverse range of content, from captivating films and binge-worthy web series to compelling television shows.